55 Multicultural Picture Books About Strong Female Role Models

UPDATED MARCH 2019!

In order to empower girls and raise them to become confident women, we must provide them with a diverse set of positive role models – from courageous peers to determined activists, from strong athletes to amazing performers and successful businesswomen.

These stunning multicultural picture books about strong female role models are sure to inspire young girls to follow their dreams and stand up for themselves and others!

55 Multicultural Picture Books About Strong Female Role Models

Babies & Toddlers

Little Feminist Board Book Set
by Galison & Emily Kleinman

Feminism for the littlest readers! With engaging colourful illustrations and few sentences, Little Feminists introduces babies and toddlers to some amazing female role models. The set of four chunky board books includes artists, leaders, and activists, such as Frida Kahlo, Cleopatra, Harriet Tubman and Malala Yousafza. ~ Diverse – Babies & Toddlers

The Life of/La Vida De Celia
by Patty Rodriguez

The latest in the Lil’ Libros series, The Life of/La Vida De Celia is a bilingual first concept book about Celia Cruz, the Queen of Salsa. With her powerful voice and eccentric style, Celia Cruz is one of the most popular singers in the world. The sweet colourful illustrations will appeal to any baby or toddler. ~ Hispanic – Babies & Toddlers

More in the Lil’ Libros series: The Life of /La Vida De Selena // Counting With/Contando Con Frida // Guadalupe: First Words/Primeras Palabras // La Catrina: Emotions/Emociones // Zapata: Colors/Colores

A Is for Awesome!: 23 Iconic Women Who Changed the World
by Eva Chen

From Amelia Earhart to Malala Yousafzai,  Tina Turner, and all the way to eXtraordinary You and the Zillion of adventures you will go on, this vibrant board book introduces iconic women and girls to the littlest readers. A Is For Awesome is a fun alphabet book with spirited illustrations that will keep little ones’ attention. ~ Diverse – Babies & Toddlers

More books about amazing women: 30 Diverse Children’s Anthologies About Trailblazing Women

Dream Big, Little One
by Vashti Harrison

Ella: My First Ella Fitzgerald
by Isabel Sanchez Vegara

With stylish and quirky illustrations, Ella introduces the youngest dreamers to the First Lady of Song, from her early singing days on the streets of Harlem to her success as a jazz legend. Part of the Little People, Big Dreams series, this board book version of the international bestseller Ella Fitzgerald. ~ African – Babies & Toddlers

More books about female artists: 40 Multicultural Children’s Books About Fabulous Female Artists

Rosa: My First Rosa Parks
by Lisbeth Kaiser

Another inspiring new board book in the Little People, Big Dreams series! In 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white man on a segregated bus, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Her courageous decision had a huge impact on civil rights, eventually leading to the end of segregation on public transport. ~ African – Babies & Toddlers

Preschool

This Little Trailblazer: A Girl Power Primer
by Joan Holub

“Paving the way / to a future that’s bright. / Helping the world / with their skills, smarts, and might. / Little trailblazers cause great big changes.” With bright illustrations and some facts, This Little Trailblazer teaches young children about ten inspiring women who changed the world. ~ Diverse – Preschool

Wangari’s Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa
by Jeanette Winter

“People are fighting over water, over food…/ we plant the seeds of peace.” Wangari’s Trees of Peace tells the inspiring story of Kenyan environmentalist, Women’s Rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai. When Wangari returns home from studying in the US, she is shocked to see whole forests being cut down. She starts planting trees and soon inspires great change. ~ African – Preschool

More books about the environment: 22 Multicultural Children’s Books for Earth Day

Fast Enough: Bessie Stringfield’s First Ride
by Joel Christian Gill

We love Bessie Stringfield! Such a cool lady! Bessie Stringfield was the first African-American woman to travel solo across the U.S. on a motorcycle. Fast Enough combines a fictional story of young Bessie with historical facts about her as an adult. Bessie Stringfield was the first Black woman to travel solo across the United States on a motorcycle. She was a true adventurer, daring to ride to places unsafe for African Americans in the 1930s and ’40s. ~ African – Preschool

More books about amazing women & girls: 26 Multicultural Picture Books about Inspiring Women & Girls

Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos
by Monica Brown

Multi-award-winning Frida Kahlo and her Animalitos tells the story of the animals that inspired the famous painter’s art. This stunning picture book recounts Frida’s beloved pets, from dogs and cats to parrots and monkeys, and playfully explores how Frida embodied many of her animals’ wonderful characteristics. ~ Hispanic – Preschool

More award-winning Hispanic books: Pura Belpré Award Winners 1996 – 2019 // 2016 Américas Award-Winning Children’s Books

Superheroes Are Everywhere
by Kamala Harris

From Indian/Jamaican US Senator Kamala Harris comes this inspiring interactive picture book. As a little girl, Kamala was amazed to find superheroes everywhere – in her family, among her friends, even down the street! Superheroes Are Everywhere gives a glimpse into Harris’ life while engaging young readers through questions and sending an empowering message: All you need to do to be a superhero is to be the best that you can be! ~ Diverse – Preschool

More superhero books: 22 Multicultural Children’s Books featuring Superheroes

Brave Ballerina: The Story of Janet Collins
by Michelle Meadows

“This is the girl / who danced in the breeze / to the swoosh, swoosh, swoosh / of towering trees.” This lyrical picture book tells the story of Janet Collins, the first African American principal dancer at the Metropolitan Opera House. In the 1930s and 40s, Collins was determined to become a ballerina, despite facing racial discrimination. When she was accepted into the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo on the condition that she paint her skin white for performances, Janet refused. Brave Ballerina will inspire young readers to go after their dreams without compromising their values. ~ African – Preschool

Elementay School

She’s Got This
by Laurie Hernandez

Even Olympians have to start somewhere. When Zoe sees a gymnast on TV, she realizes that gymnastics is just like flying. But when she first goes to class and falls off the balance beam, she discovers that following your dreams isn’t always that easy. She’s Got This by gold-medal-winning Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez is an inspiring picture book about never giving up on your dreams. ~ Hispanic – Elementary School

If A Bus Could Talk: The Story of Rosa Parks
by Faith Ringgold

On a magical bus ride to school, Marcie learns about the story of Rosa Parks, the mother of the Civil Rights movement. She even meets Rosa Parks and some other distinguished guests at a birthday party. Illustrated with colourful folk-art style paintings, If a Bus Could Talk tells Rosa Park’s story in an unusual and bold way. ~ African – Elementary School

More books by Faith Ringgold: Author Spotlight: Faith Ringgold

More books about Black History: 21 Picture Books for Black History Month

Fearless Mary: The True Adventures of Mary Fields
by Tami Charles

Tami Charles puts the spotlight on a remarkable unsung hero of Black History. Former slave Mary Fields became the first African American woman stagecoach driver in 1895. Already in her 60s, she beat out all the cowboys applying for the job by being the fastest to hitch a team of six horses. She traveled the badlands for many years with her pet eagle, protecting the mail from outlaws and wild animals, never losing a single horse or package. Fearless Mary is a wild and fascinating story that will have children everywhere hooked immediately! ~ African – Elementary School

More books about trailblazing women: 30 Diverse Children’s Anthologies About Trailblazing Women

When I Was Eight
by Christy Jordan-Fenton

Strong-willed Olemaun wants to learn to read and persuades her father to let her go to residential school, despite his concerns. At the Catholic-run school, the Inuit girl is stripped of her Native identity, humiliated and treated harshly. Olemaun remains undaunted and draws the attention of one nun who tries to break her spirit. When I was Eight is a stunning picture book adaptation of the bestselling memoir Fatty Legs, a true story about a remarkable girl and the power of the human spirit. ~ Diverse – Elementary School

More books about Native Americans: 32 Native American Children’s Books

Malala: Activist for Girls’ Education
by Raphaele Frier

Beautifully illustrated Malala: Activist for Girls’ Education is the latest picture book about the brave girl from Pakistan. Malala Yousafzai stood up to the Taliban and fought for the right for all girls to receive an education. At age 15, the Taliban attempted to kill Malala, but even this did not stop her activism. At age 18, Malala became the youngest person to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her work. ~ Asian – Elementary School.

Shaking Things Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World
by Susan Hood

This stunning new release introduces 14 trailblazing girls and young women who changed history. From 6-year-old Ruby Bridges, who helped end segregation, to 21-year-old Maya Lin, who had to defend her right to create a war memorial, all of these girls and young women were persistent in the face of great challenges. With fresh poems and beautiful artwork, Shaking Things Up is sure to inspire young girls and boys alike. ~ Diverse – Elementary School

The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks
by Cynthia Levinson

9-year-old Audrey Faye Hendricks was the youngest known child to be arrested for a civil rights protest. Wanting to be able to do things like anybody else, she joined a march against segregation laws in Alabama in 1963. The Youngest Marcher is an inspiring picture book that shows that you’re never too little to make a difference. ~ African – Elementary School

Frida
by Jonah Winter

This striking picture book tells the story of Frida Kahlo’s life in simple words and with gorgeous acrylic paintings full of Mexican folk art icons (monkeys, devils, smiling skeletons). Frida is a playful, insightful tribute to one of the twentieth century’s most influential artists. ~ Hispanic – Elementary School

More books set in Mexico: 24 Children’s Books set in Mexico

The Legendary Miss Lena Horne
by Carole Boston Weatherford

“You have to be taught to be second class; you’re not born that way.” Born into a family of teachers and activists. Lena Horne followed her dream to become an actress, despite facing racial discrimination, and many stereotypes. The Legendary Mis Lena Horne is an inspiring and beautifully illustrated picture book that celebrates the life of the pioneering African American actress and civil rights activist. ~ African – Elementary School

The Story Of Ruby Bridges
by Robert Coles

In 1960 a judge orders little Ruby to attend first grade at William Frantz Elementary, an all-white school in New Orleans. Surrounded by Federal Marshalls, Ruby faces angry mobs of segregationists as she walks through the school door on her first day (and many after). Being the only student in her class she is taught by a supportive teacher. With simple text and engaging illustrations, The Story of Ruby Bridges is a moving picture book about a little girl’s calm perseverance and gracious forgiveness in the ugly face of hate and racism. ~ African – Elementary School

Wilma’s Way Home: The Life of Wilma Mankiller 
by Doreen Rappaport

A Song for Gwendolyn Brooks
by Alice Faye Duncan

“Sing a song for Gwendolyn Brooks. / Sing it loud – a Chicago blues.” Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, Gwendolyn Brooks’ passion was reading and writing. She ultimately published 20 books of poetry, two autobiographies, and one novel, and became the first Black author to win the Pulitzer Prize. A Song for Gwendolyn Brooks celebrates the life and work of this witty poet whose poems captured the urban Black experience and the role of women in society. ~ African – Elementary School

More poetry books: 26 Multicultural Poetry Books for Children aged 0 to 10

One Plastic Bag
by Miranda Paul

One Plastic Bag tells the inspiring story of Isatou Ceesay, the “Queen of Plastic Recycling of The Gambia”. Concerned about the amounts of plastic bags that were littering her village, Isatou started collecting them and crocheting them into purses. Her project became known internationally and brought environmental change as well as economic empowerment to the women in her community. ~ African – Elementary School

More books about the environment: 22 Multicultural Children’s Books for Earth Day

Buffalo Bird Girl: A Hidatsa Story
by S. D. Nelson

This award-winning picture book biography tells the childhood story of Buffalo Bird Woman – a Hidatsa Indian born around 1839. With beautiful original artwork and archival photographs, Buffalo Bird Girl is a moving account of the lost way of life of a Native American community on the shores of the Missouri River. ~ Diverse – Elementary School

More books about Native Americans: 32 Native American Children’s Books

Fancy Party Gowns: The Story of Fashion Designer Ann Cole Lowe
by Deborah Blumenthal

“Wisps of cloth would fall from their worktables like confetti, / and Ann would scoop them up and turn them into flowers / as bright as roses in the garden.” Fancy Party Gowns is a beautiful picture book about Ann Cole Lowe, a little-known black fashion designer who – despite hardship and discrimination – pursued her passion and went on to design party gowns for America’s high society, including Jackie Kennedy’s wedding dress. ~ African – Elementary School

The Girl With a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague
by Julia Finley Mosca

After visiting a German submarine in the early 1940s, young Raye is determined to become an engineer. Despite facing gender and racial discrimination along the way, the gifted mathematician persisted and gained her well-deserved recognition as a pioneer who changed the course of ship design forever. With rhyming text and cartoon-style illustrations, The Girl With a Mind for Math makes the remarkable story of Raye Montague accessible for young readers. Includes biography, fun facts, timeline of events, and a note from Montague herself. ~ African – Elementary School

More STEAM books: 50+ Multicultural STEAM Books for Children

Only Passing Through: The Story of Sojourner Truth
by Anne Rockwell

Sojourner Truth traveled the country in the latter half of the 19th century, speaking out against slavery and telling her own life story. Her simple yet powerful words helped people to understand the cruelty of slavery. Only Passing Through is a powerful picture book biography about one of the abolitionist movement’s most compelling voices. ~ African – Elementary School

Nothing but Trouble: The Story of Althea Gibson
by Sue Stauffacher

Everyone sees Althea as trouble but play leader Buddy Walker sees potential in the young girl from Harlem. He buys her a tennis racket, and before long, she’s on her way to becoming a great athlete. Althea Gibson was the first African American ever to compete in and win the Wimbledon Cup. With lively text and vibrant paintings, Nothing But Trouble captures the exuberance, ambition, and triumph of this remarkable woman. ~ African – Elementary School

The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq
by Jeanette Winter

“In the Koran, the first thing God said to Muhammad was ‘Read.’” When war comes to Iraq, librarian Alia Muhammad Baker takes matters into her own hands to protect the books from being destroyed. Every day she packs her car with books and takes them home, thus saving 70% of the 30,000 books in her library. The Librarian of Basra is a true story about an inspiring woman’s love of literature and respect for knowledge.  ~ Asian – Elementary School

More books celebrating books & reading: 15 Multicultural Children’s Books celebrating books & reading

Shark Lady
by Jess Keating

This beautiful new picture book tells the inspiring story of brave ichthyologist Eugenie Cark. After seeing sharks at the aquarium for the first time in the early 1930’s, 9-year-old Eugenie decided to dedicate her life to studying them and sharing their beauty with the world. She went on to become an internationally respected scientific authority as well as a fierce advocate for the misunderstood predators, earning her the nickname “Shark Lady.” ~ Asian –  Elementary School

For a more in-depth review, go to: Multicultural Book of the Month: Shark Lady

Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer
by Carole Boston Weatherford

This striking picture book biography chronicles the life of Fannie Lou Hamer, one of the civil rights movement’s most inspiring leaders. With free-verse text, coupled with spirituals and quotes, and with stunning quilt-like collages, Voice of Freedom makes this amazing woman’s life story accessible to young readers. ~ African – Elementary School, Middle School

For a more in-depth review of this book, go to: Multicultural Book of the Month: Voice of Freedom

Ella Fitzgerald: The Tale of a Vocal Virtuosa
by Andrea Davis Pinkney

Ella’s fictional cat ‘Scat Cat Monroe’ tells the story of the amazing life of “the first lady of song”. With engaging text and vibrant illustrations, Ella Fitzgerald: The Tale of a Vocal Virtuosa celebrates the distinctive style of one of the most talented jazz performers and her impact upon contemporary music. ~ African – Elementary School

More books about jazz: 18 Multicultural Children’ss Books about Jazz

Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race
by Margot Lee Shetterly

Math geniuses Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden played an essential role in some of NASA’s greatest successes. Overcoming gender and racial barriers, the four black women provided the calculations for America’s first journeys into space. Hidden Figures is the first picture book adaption of this true story that will inspire children to believe in themselves and follow their dreams.  ~ African – Elementary School

More Multicultural Science Books: 50+ Multicultural STEAM Books for Children

The Quickest Kid in Clarksville
by Pat Zietlow Miller

Alta is excited: Wilma Rudolph, three-time Olympic gold medalist. will be riding on a float at the parade. Alta is the quickest kid in Clarksville, Tennessee, just like Wilma once was who also came from hard times. But then a new girl with shiny new shoes comes along and challenges Alta to a race. Will she still be the quickest kid? The Quickest Kid in Clarksville is a timeless story of dreams, determination, and the power of friendship. ~ African – Elementary School

Also featured here: The 40 Best Multicultural Picture Books of 2016

For the Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai’s Story
by Rebecca Langston-George

Another wonderful picture book about brave young activist Malala Yousafzai from Pakistan. With lush illustrations and detailed text, For the Right to Learn focuses mostly on Malala’s life before she was shot. Readers learn how her father inspired people in his region to educate girls, and how her mother was determined to learn to read. The book explains how Malala spoke her mind in her blog and challenged people’s attitudes towards education for girls. ~ Asian – Elementary School

More books set in Pakistan: 15 Children’s Books set in Pakistan

Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker
by Patricia Hruby Powell

Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker is a detailed portrait (104 pages!) of the legendary performer and civil rights activist. In lively free-verse, complemented by colourful acrylic illustrations, the picture book tells of the struggles and triumphs of this extraordinary woman and important figure of the Harlem Renaissance who worked her way from the slums of St. Louis to the grandest stages of the world. ~ African – Elementary School

More books about the Harlem Renaissance: 15 Children’s Books about the Harlem Renaissance

That’s Not Fair! / ¡No Es Justo!: Emma Tenayuca’s Struggle for Justice
by Carmen Tafolla

That’s Not Fair! tells the true story of Emma Tenayuca, a courageous and compassionate young Mexican-American girl in San Antonio in the 1920’s. Emma cared deeply about poverty and hunger during a time when many Mexican Americans were exploited in the city’s pecan-shelling factories. At the age of 21, Emma led 12,000 workers in the first significant historical action in the Mexican-American struggle for justice. ~ Hispanic – Elementary School

Catching the Moon: The Story of a Young Girl’s Baseball Dream
by Crystal Hubbard

In the 1930s, Marcenia tries to earn a spot at famous baseball manager Gabby Street’s summer camp sponsored by the St. Louis Cardinals. But Mr. Street tells her there are no girls in his camp. Convinced that baseball is her destiny, Marcenia doesn’t give up, and proves her skill and passion to Mr. Street and her parents. Catching The Moon is a heartwarming picture book that will inspire children to follow their dreams. ~ African – Elementary School

My Name is Gabriela/Me llamo Gabriela
by Monica Brown

Gabriela Mistral loved words and sounds and stories. The Chilean poet and teacher inspired children across many countries to let their voices be heard. Gabriela became the first Nobel Prize-winning Latina woman in the world. Told with the rhythm a poem, My Name Is Gabriella is a beautifully crafted story about a remarkable woman. ~ Hispanic – Elementary School

Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa
by Veronica Chambers

“In the fabled land of Havana, where rhythm grows, sweet and juicy, like oranges in Florida, there lived a girl.” That girl with a magical voice would later reach international fame as an extraordinary salsa singer. Vibrantly illustrated, Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa tells the inspiring story of the flamboyant singer who passed away in 2003, from her childhood in Cuba to her rise to worldwide fame. ~ Hispanic – Elementary School

My Name is Celia/Me llamo Celia: The Life of Celia Cruz/la vida de Celia Cruz 
by Monica Brown

And another one about the Queen of Salsa! Celia Cruz became a well-known singer in her homeland of Cuba, then moved to New York City and Miami where she and others created a new type of music called salsa. My Name is Celia is an exuberant picture book biography of the famous salsa singer. ~ Hispanic – Elementary School

Art From Her Heart: Folk Artist Clementine Hunter
by Kathy Whitehead

Imagine being an artist who isn’t allowed into your own show. That’s what happened to folk artist Clementine Hunter. Her paintings of southern farm life went from hanging on her clothesline to hanging in museums, yet because of the colour of her skin, a friend had to sneak her in when the gallery was closed. With lyrical writing and striking illustrations, Art From The Heart introduces children to the life and work of this amazing self-taught artist. ~ African – Elementary School

Paiute Princess: The Story of Sarah Winnemucca
by Deborah Kogan Ray

Born into the Northern Paiute tribe of Nevada in 1844, Sarah Winnemucca straddled the traditional life of her people and the modern ways of her grandfather’s white friends. She became a great leader who used condemning letters, fiery speeches, and her autobiography to tell of her people’s struggles through years of starvation, unjust relocations, and violent attacks. With expressive illustrations and extensive backmatter (including hand-drawn maps, a chronology, archival photographs, and author’s notes) Paiute Princess provides a fascinating insight into the life of this underrepresented historical figure. ~ Diverse – Elementary School

Vision of Beauty: The Story of Sarah Breedlove Walker
by Kathryn Lasky

Born just after slavery ended and orphaned at age seven, Sarah Breedlove Walker went on to become the richest African American woman of her time. Going bald as a young woman from years of poor nutrition and hard labour, she created a formula to restore the health of both hair and scalp and built her business into the Mme. C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company, one of the biggest companies in America. Rich in historical detail and with expressive illustrations, Visions of Beauty is the rags-to-riches tale of a powerful role model for girls and women of all races. ~ African – Elementary School

Tallchief: America’s Prima Ballerina
by Maria Tallchief

Growing up on the Osage Indian reservation, Maria Tallchief was a gifted pianist and dancer. According to Osage tradition, women are not permitted to dance, but Maria’s parents recognized her gifts and allowed her to break the rule. When Maria turned twelve, her father asked her to choose between her two loves. Maria chose ballet – a decision that would change her life and the face of classical ballet in America. Tall Chief tells the fascinating story of Maria Tallchief’s rise to become America’s prima ballerina. ~ Diverse – Elementary School

Sky High: The True Story of Maggie Gee
by Marissa Moss

Young Maggie dreamed of flying, just like her favourite pilot, Amelia Earhart. She told her brothers and sisters stories of flying across oceans and deserts, and all around the world. Maggie went on to become one of only two Chinese American Women Airforce Service Pilots to serve in WWII. Sky High tells the inspiring story of this determined and brave woman who followed her dreams. ~ Asian – Elementary School

Sewing Stories: Harriet Powers’ Journey from Slave to Artist
by Barbara Herkert

As a young slave on a Georgia plantation, Harriet Powers learned to sew and quilt. She lived through the Civil War and Reconstruction, and eventually owned a cotton farm. Using each square to illustrate Bible stories and local legends, she began making pictorial quilts which she exhibited her at local cotton fairs. With lyrical text and colourful patchwork illustrations, Sewing Stories tells the story of this important African American folk artist. ~ African – Elementary School

Leontyne Price: Voice of a Century
by Carole Boston Weatherford

Born in Mississippi in 1927, Leontyne Price surrounded herself with church hymns and hallelujahs, soaked up opera arias on the radio, and watched the great Marian Anderson on stage. While racism made it unlikely that a poor black girl from the South would pursue an opera career, Leontyne’s wondrous voice and unconquerable spirit prevailed. Leontyne was soon recognized and celebrated for her leading roles at the Metropolitan Opera and around the world. Leontyne Price is a stunning picture book biography about the iconic African American opera star. ~ African – Elementary School

Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells: The Daring Life of a Crusading Journalist
by Philip Dray

When Ida B. Wells was not yet two years old, the Emancipation Proclamation freed her from slavery. Strong willed and compassionate, Ida grew up never turning away from challenges. She held her family together after the death of her parents, went to court when a railroad company infringed on her rights and used her position as a journalist to speak out about injustice. But Ida’s greatest challenge arose after one of her friends was lynched. Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells tells the inspirational story of this important figure in American history. ~ African – Elementary School

Oprah: The Little Speaker
by Carole Boston Weatherford

At age three, Oprah began performing in churches, becoming known to adoring crowds as the Little Speaker. When she was asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, she answered, “I want to be paid to talk.” Oprah: The Little Speaker is the story of Oprah Winfrey’s childhood, a story about a little girl on a Mississippi pig farm who grew up to be the “Queen of Talk.” ~ African – Elementary School

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